Shifting on 1st June? Prepare very carefully!

Shifting on 1st June? Prepare very carefully!

“Settlement day for sharemilkers and farmers could be chaotic again this year unless it is very well organised,” warns rural finance consultant Don Fraser.

“June 1st is the official day for stock owners to shift their herds to a new property. However, this year it falls on a Sunday,” points out Fraser.

“Not only that, it is Queens Birthday Weekend so solicitorst be open until Tuesday, June 3rd”.
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“Many settlements need to happen on Friday 30 May so transactions can be completed before the weekend, but unless everybody is working towards the same date it could be chaos,” says Fraser.

“Other settlements may not happen until 3rd June but the same issues apply”.

“Share-milkers and farmers must talk to their solicitors, financiers, livestock agents, cartage contractors etc., and make sure everything is correctly co-ordinated.”

“Queens Birthday weekend road traffic is always heavy,” says Fraser, “so anyone droving herds will need to take great care.”

“Permits will be required and cattle will need the right ear tags for trucking to comply with the Animal Health Board requirements cattle of all ages require a primary and secondary tag. Firm arrangements for shifting household goods must also be in place.”

“On arrival at the new property, sharemilkers and new owners should check that the agreed amount of feed is available, the condition of the milking shed is up to scratch and that water easements and effluent disposal rights are in place. If anything is amiss, they should contact qualified consultants immediately.”

“There are so many things to think about at the time of shifting that careful planning and checking are absolutely essential,” says Fraser.

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